How To Fix EARC018 - Print doc. headers must have a longer retention period than doc.line itms

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EARC - IS-U: Archiving

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Print doc. headers must have a longer retention period than doc.line itms

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EARC018 - Print doc. headers must have a longer retention period than doc.line itms ?

  The SAP error message EARC018 indicates that there is a mismatch in the retention periods set for document headers and document line items in the context of document archiving. Specifically, the retention period for the document headers must be longer than that of the document line items. This is a requirement in SAP to ensure that the header information remains available for as long as the line item information is retained.
  Cause:
  
  Retention Period Configuration: The retention periods for document headers and line items are configured in the SAP system. If the retention period for the document header is set to a shorter duration than that of the line items, this error will occur.
  Archiving Settings: The archiving settings for the specific document type may not be correctly configured, leading to this inconsistency.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Retention Periods:
  
  Go to the transaction code SARA (Archive Administration).
  Select the relevant object (e.g., accounting documents, purchase orders, etc.).
  Check the retention periods for both document headers and line items.
  Ensure that the retention period for the document header is longer than that of the line items.
  
  
  
  Adjust Retention Periods:
  
  If the header retention period is shorter, you will need to adjust it to be longer than the line item retention period.
  This can typically be done in the customizing settings under SPRO > Cross-Application Components > Data Archiving > Define Retention Periods.
  
  
  
  Reconfigure Archiving Object:
  
  If necessary, reconfigure the archiving object to ensure that the retention periods are set correctly.
  Make sure to test the changes in a development or test environment before applying them to production.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to archiving and retention periods for specific guidance on your version of SAP.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SARA: Archive Administration
  SPRO: Customizing Implementation Guide
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional insights or updates regarding this error message.
  Archiving Best Practices: Familiarize yourself with best practices for data archiving in SAP to avoid similar issues in the future.
  
  By ensuring that the retention periods are correctly configured, you should be able to resolve the EARC018 error and proceed with your archiving activities.